EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern Athletics announced today (Monday) significant upgrades to the in-stadium video display capabilities in Ryan Field, with plans to nearly triple the size of the existing videoboard and install new LED ribbon boards overlooking both the north and south end zones.

Installation of the upgraded video display technology will begin soon after the completion of Northwestern University's upcoming commencement ceremonies. The videoboards are expected to be in place ahead of Northwestern Football's 2014 home-opener vs. California on Saturday, Aug. 30.

"This is an exciting announcement for members of the Northwestern Football family and another indication of our commitment to providing the best possible gameday experience for fans and guests of Chicago's Big Ten Team," said head coach Pat Fitzgerald. "Initiatives of this magnitude don't happen without the hard work of many individuals across campus and the support of our terrific fanbase, so I'd like to thank all those who played a role in making these videoboard upgrades a reality. We can't wait for our fans to join us in experiencing an enhanced gameday atmosphere when we take the field against the Golden Bears on Aug. 30."

The primary videoboard structure in the northeast corner of Ryan Field will receive the most substantial upgrade, increasing from its current 390 square feet of screen surface area to more than 1,100 square feet. A newly constructed on-campus control room will direct a high-definition video feed to the 44-foot-long board, optimizing the viewing experience for Ryan Field attendees.

Behind the north end zone, an LED ribbon board measuring 138 feet in length will be installed on the facade of Walker Terrace, offering additional opportunities to display game information, spirit messaging and in-game promotions.

Finally, the ribbon board currently affixed to the south end zone seating structure also will be replaced in favor of a new LED displays to match the technology installed on Walker Terrace. Two south ribbon boards, one on either side of a fixed digit scoreboard, will span a combined 90 feet.

Northwestern's procurement of enhanced video display capabilities in Ryan Field was achieved in conjunction with Anthony James Partners (AJP), one of the leading audio/video consultants in the marketplace. AJP previously has been responsible for implementing displays at venues including Spartan Stadium and the Breslin Center (Michigan State), Ohio Stadium (Ohio State), Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers), BMO Harris Bradley Center (Milwaukee Bucks) and many other professional and collegiate venues.

In addition to the 2014 opener against Cal, Northwestern's upcoming home season also features dates against Northern Illinois (Sept. 6), Western Illinois (Sept. 20), Wisconsin (Oct. 4), Nebraska (Oct. 18), Michigan (Nov. 8) and Illinois (Nov. 29). Season tickets are available on NUsports.com or by calling the Northwestern Athletics ticket office at 888-GO-PURPLE.